El Niño Threatens 2026 Monsoon: Skymet Warns of Below-Average Rain

• Skymet forecasts potential El Niño impact on 2026 monsoon, risking below-average rainfall.
• Weather expert Mahesh Palawat states El Niño will emerge May-July, disrupting rain patterns.
• Current La Niña conditions are changing; sea surface temperatures to normalize by March.
• Farmers concerned as 2023 saw deficient rain due to El Niño; 2026 could repeat.
• North/Central India to face increased cold, dense fog; South India (Tamil Nadu/Sri Lanka) expects rain.

Why It Matters: El Niño's return in 2026 could lead to deficient monsoon rains, raising concerns for agriculture.